trying to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an effort to engage in a task or job, often implying some difficulty or distraction. Example: "I am trying to work on my project, but the noise in the café is quite distracting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're trying to work around it".

The New York Times

"We are trying to work on it".

The New York Times

"I'm trying to work out," he said.

The New York Times

I'm trying to work on being patient.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm still trying to work it out".

Independent

I'm still trying to work that out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We're trying to work numbers out.

The New York Times - Sports

I was still trying to work.

The Guardian

We're trying to work it out.

The New York Times - Sports

Leave me alone, I'm trying to work".

The Guardian

We're trying to work through that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trying to work", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended level of effort and potential difficulty. Alternatives like "attempting to work" or "endeavoring to work" might provide a more nuanced meaning.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "trying to work" in formal or professional settings. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less professional. Opt for alternatives such as "working on", "addressing", or "engaged in" to maintain a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to work" functions as a gerund phrase or a present participle phrase, often used as part of a larger verb phrase to indicate an ongoing effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trying to work" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey an effort to engage in work, often despite challenges. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific domains. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "working on" or "engaged in" in professional settings. Understanding the nuances and potential alternatives allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to work

Focuses more on the act of making an attempt, suggesting a possible lack of success.

endeavoring to work

Implies a more earnest and determined effort to work.

striving to work

Highlights the effort and struggle involved in working, especially against difficulties.

working diligently

Emphasizes the level of care and focus applied while working.

making an effort to work

Focuses on the conscious decision to put effort into working.

laboring to work

Suggests a more arduous or physical aspect of the work being done.

busy working

Highlights the state of being occupied or engaged in work.

engaged in work

A more formal way of expressing involvement in work.

occupied with work

Similar to 'busy working', but can imply a slightly less enthusiastic involvement.

focused on working

Emphasizes the concentration and attention dedicated to working.

FAQs

What does "trying to work" mean?

The phrase "trying to work" generally means making an effort to do a job or task, often implying difficulty or potential distraction.

What can I say instead of "trying to work"?

You can use alternatives like "attempting to work", "endeavoring to work", or "working on it" depending on the context.

How to use "trying to work" in a sentence?

Example: "I am "trying to work", but the construction noise is making it difficult."

When is it appropriate to use "trying to work"?

It's appropriate to use "trying to work" in situations where you are making an effort to perform a task but encountering challenges or distractions. Avoid overuse in formal contexts, opting for alternatives like "engaged in work" or "working on" instead.